Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX USA) Practice

Which muscle is primarily involved in the evaluation of the straight leg raise?

1. Rectus femoris

2. Iliopsoas

3. Timeless

4. Biceps femoris

The correct answer is: Iliopsoas

The iliopsoas muscle plays a crucial role in the straight leg raise maneuver. This muscle group, which includes the psoas major and the iliacus, is responsible for hip flexion. During a straight leg raise, the primary movement involves lifting the leg while keeping it straight, which directly engages the iliopsoas to initiate and maintain the movement. In patients with tightness or dysfunction of the iliopsoas, this test may be limited or painful, illustrating its importance in assessing hip function and flexibility. Other muscles mentioned, such as the rectus femoris, contribute to hip flexion as well, but the iliopsoas is primarily responsible for the full range of movement required in this test. Timeless is not a muscle and is irrelevant in this context, while the biceps femoris, which is part of the hamstring group, primarily facilitates knee flexion and does not play a significant role in straight leg raises. Thus, the iliopsoas is central to evaluating the straight leg raise, making it the appropriate choice.